WRC–12 Industry Debrief 23 April 2012 Agenda item 1.15 – Oceanographic radars 3–50 MHz Presenter: Paul Hettrick

WRC–12 Industry Debrief WRC-12: Agenda Item 1.15 > to consider possible allocations in the range 3–50 MHz to the radiolocation service for oceanographic radar applications, taking into account the results of ITU ‑ R studies, in accordance with Resolution 612 (WRC-07) > Oceanographic Radars (ORs) provide information on current, wave and wind conditions over coastal maritime areas, afford societal benefit via improved understanding of issues such as coastal pollution, fisheries management, search and rescue, beach erosion, maritime navigation and sediment transport.

WRC–12 Industry Debrief WRC-12: Agenda Item 1.15 >Very little alignment on proposed bands and bandwidths between administrations let alone between regional groups going into WRC- 12. >APT proposal comprised 21 separate ASPs of which 18 referred to frequency bands, and three to regulatory provisions. >Australia supported only four of the band-related ASPs and abstained on four, as well as supporting the three regulatory provisions.

WRC–12 Industry Debrief WRC-12: Agenda Item 1.15 >ITU-R studies have shown that sharing is not straightforward due to significant sky-wave propagation issues. >Most proposed bandwidths were larger than that required for an Oceanographic Radar to operate effectively in a given band and for its intended application. >Australia steered the focus of the debate towards minimum required bandwidth for each band of interest, thereby minimising the total amount of spectrum to be allocated.

WRC–12 Industry Debrief WRC-12: Agenda Item 1.15 Outcome >The Australian position was re-assessed and modified throughout the drafting process. >Agreement was reached on a mix of either secondary or primary allocations with footnotes requiring protection of the fixed and or mobile services. >Agreement was only possible by introducing some differences in allocations between Regions (mainly for bands above 15 MHz). >A modified Resolution 612 with protection criteria was agreed to, including a method of station identification using Morse code.

WRC–12 Industry Debrief WRC-12: Agenda Item 1.15 Follow-up Actions >Australian OR users will need to be informed of the allocations and the requirement for station identification, as well as a timeframe for migration of existing ORs. >Fixed and Mobile users should ensure they are properly represented in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR). > Fixed and Mobile users should monitor the migration of the OR systems in the region, and the ACMA notified if harmful interference is being caused by systems not operating in accordance with the radio regulations and Res 612 (WRC-12).